Terrain

Rather than generating terrains by a mathematical procedure such as Midpoint Displacement, real terrains are available. This terrain data set was obtained from the USGS in SDTS format and is the high resolution data set (979x1398 samples) showing the after-eruption Mt. St. Helens.

The data set itself is a rectangular grid of elevations. This image shows the grid with the intensity of the pixel relative to the elevation - the central cone, and the segment that was destroyed in the eruption, are visible.

The data set rendered as a heightfield, though with artificial scaling. The extent of the damage to the mountain is clearly seen.

The same data, but colored based on elevation.

The same data, but with a texture map applied as a Z projection - as if a slide projector was facing straight down.

The same data, but with a texture map applied as a spherical projection. Note the texture appears to be radiating outward from just behind the cone, in contrast to the Z projection.

	The data set itself is a rectangular grid of elevations. This image shows the grid with the intensity of the pixel relative to the elevation - the central cone, and the segment that was destroyed in the eruption, are visible.
	The data set rendered as a heightfield, though with artificial scaling. The extent of the damage to the mountain is clearly seen.
	The same data, but colored based on elevation.
	The same data, but with a texture map applied as a Z projection - as if a slide projector was facing straight down.
	The same data, but with a texture map applied as a spherical projection. Note the texture appears to be radiating outward from just behind the cone, in contrast to the Z projection.